Epidemiology

The incidence and prevalence of older adult abuse are not clear, primarily because of varying definitions and a lack of national studies.[8]

Review data from 28 countries suggest that the pooled prevalence rate for overall older adult abuse in the community setting is 15.7% (95% CI 12.8 to 19.3), equivalent to 1 in 6 older people experiencing some form of abuse in the past year.[2][8] The review found that the prevalence estimate was highest for psychological abuse at 11.6% (95% CI 8.1 to 16.3), followed by financial abuse, neglect, physical abuse, and, lastly, sexual abuse at 0.9% (95% CI 0.6 to 1.4).

Data from the US suggest the prevalence of older adult abuse is approximately 10%.[4] In the UK, the frequency of older adult abuse has been estimated at 2.6%.[9] It is expected that the number of older adult abuse cases will increase as people are living longer. The actual prevalence of abuse is underestimated.[1]​ Studies have shown that for every reported incident of abuse, nearly 24 cases are not reported.[10] It is important to note that the abuse of older adults is not unique to any particular care setting. It is common in the community setting and in the long-term care setting.[11] Systematic reviews have found a much higher rate of abuse in institutional versus community settings.[8][12]​​​ While reports vary, the general consensus is that abuse is equally common in older men and women in Western countries, with higher rates for women in Eastern countries.[8][13][14][15]​​​ There is some evidence that abuse in older men is under-recognised.[16] The prevalence of older adult abuse is estimated to have increased by a factor of 10 during the COVID-19 pandemic.[17]

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